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Human Health
Diesel Exhaust and Your Health
- Diesel exhaust contains significant levels of small particles, known
as fine particulate
matter. Fine particles are so small that several thousand of them
could fit on the period at the end of this sentence.
- Fine particles pose a significant health risk because they can pass
through the nose and throat and lodge themselves in the lungs. These
fine particles can cause lung damage and premature death. They can also
aggravate conditions such as asthma and bronchitis.
- Nationwide, particulate matter, especially fine particles, is responsible
for thousands of premature deaths every year.
- EPA has determined that diesel exhaust is a likely human carcinogen.
Diesel exhaust can also contribute to other acute and chronic health
effects (see EPA's
Health Assessment Document for Diesel Exhaust).
Who is at Risk?
- People with existing heart or lung disease, asthma or other respiratory
problems are most sensitive to the health effects of fine particles.
The elderly and children are also at risk.
- Children are more susceptible to air pollution than healthy adults
because their respiratory systems are still developing and they have
a faster breathing rate.
Other Health and Environmental Effects
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